Capt H Peacock
16th Nov 2004, 16:03
Heathrow check-in firm collapses
About 900 workers have lost their jobs at Heathrow Airport after a company which provides check-in and other services collapsed.
Swissport UK Limited ceased operational activities on Tuesday before administrators were appointed.
The firm's activities at Heathrow's passenger terminals were being handled by other ground handling companies.
Other parts of Swissport UK Ltd's parent company, which formerly traded as Groundstar, is operating normally.
'Huge blow'
A spokesman for Swissport UK Ltd said: "It is with regret that following a number of years running an unprofitable business at Heathrow Airport and, more recently, extensive attempts to reverse the loss being sustained by the company, Swissport UK Limited will be placed into administration."
He said lengthy negotiations with both staff representatives and a major customer to find an alternative solution had been unsuccessful.
Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) leaders vowed to do all they could to help the workers.
TGWU official Kevin Hall said: "This is a huge blow for our members and for Heathrow. We will do all we can to look after our members' best interests, and our priority at the moment is just that."
Airport operator BAA said it is working closely with affected airlines to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum.
Swissport UK Limited provides check-in staff for 11 airlines at Heathrow - Aer Lingus, El Al, Icelandair, Cyprus Airways, Switzerland carrier Swiss, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Greek airline Hellas Jet, Middle East Airlines, Air China and Turkish carrier Kibris.
Story from BBC NEWS:
About 900 workers have lost their jobs at Heathrow Airport after a company which provides check-in and other services collapsed.
Swissport UK Limited ceased operational activities on Tuesday before administrators were appointed.
The firm's activities at Heathrow's passenger terminals were being handled by other ground handling companies.
Other parts of Swissport UK Ltd's parent company, which formerly traded as Groundstar, is operating normally.
'Huge blow'
A spokesman for Swissport UK Ltd said: "It is with regret that following a number of years running an unprofitable business at Heathrow Airport and, more recently, extensive attempts to reverse the loss being sustained by the company, Swissport UK Limited will be placed into administration."
He said lengthy negotiations with both staff representatives and a major customer to find an alternative solution had been unsuccessful.
Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) leaders vowed to do all they could to help the workers.
TGWU official Kevin Hall said: "This is a huge blow for our members and for Heathrow. We will do all we can to look after our members' best interests, and our priority at the moment is just that."
Airport operator BAA said it is working closely with affected airlines to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum.
Swissport UK Limited provides check-in staff for 11 airlines at Heathrow - Aer Lingus, El Al, Icelandair, Cyprus Airways, Switzerland carrier Swiss, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Greek airline Hellas Jet, Middle East Airlines, Air China and Turkish carrier Kibris.
Story from BBC NEWS: